Following a new health report by ukactive, which suggests people in the Midlands are more likely to die prematurely because of physical inactivity, CEO David Stalker says:

Urgent action is required that challenges central government, local authorities and the activity sector to get more people, more active, more often.

– David Stalker

The report, called 'Turning the tide of inactivity', says that to make the changes necessary, it is critical for authorities to work together at both a local and national level:

We call on the government to develop and deliver a cross-party, cross-government and cross-sector national strategy. From ensuring that walking and cycling are the preferred modes of transport, to encouraging children to become physically literate from the earliest possible age, an industrial scale shift across society is needed to embed physical activity into people's lives.

A new health report released today, suggests that people in the Midlands are more likely to die prematurely because of the failure of local councils to tackle physical inactivity, with 29% of adults in the East Midlands not doing any exercise.

The report by ukactive, backed by Lord Sebastian Coe, details the health and financial cost of what it calls 'a growing physical inactivity pandemic' and links premature death rates with a lack of investment by councils.

For the UK, the report indicates that physical inactivity contributes to more deaths than obesity or type two diabetes.

The report also suggests that green spaces and leisure facilities can help people become more active.

Last winter there were 31,000 deaths in the UK linked to cold weather. With the cold snap approaching, Derby's 'Stay Warm and Healthy' campaign, looks to raise people's awareness of vulnerable friends, relatives and neighbours.

Here's a few tips on how to keep warm and stay safe through the winter weeks and months. Experts say the elderly, in-particular, are far less likely to need hospital admissions if they get the right support.

Shayne Ward super fan Micky Zulla, who has raised thousands to get the X Factor winner to perform tonight in Nottingham in a charity gig for the British Heart Foundation, says she's 'excited beyond words' about tonight's show.

Helena Mair from the British Heart Foundation says fundraisers like Micky Zulla, who's organised tonight's the Shayne Ward performance in Nottingham, are the 'lifeblood' of the charity, providing money for it to do the work it needs to do.